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Three Men Charged With Lying About Visiting Melbourne After Arriving Into Queensland

Three Men Charged With Lying About Visiting Melbourne After Arriving Into Queensland

One of the men is reportedly experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Three men have been charged with lying about visiting Victoria when they returned to Queensland.

The state is on high alert after reopening its borders to other Australians, however it has strict rules if someone has been in Victoria or parts of New South Wales in the past 14 days.

A 29-year-old from Slacks Creek, a 23-year-old from Waterford and a 25-year-old from Loganlea are accused of lying on their declaration form and didn't indicate that they had been in Melbourne recently.

One of the men is reportedly experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms. They've all been placed into hotel quarantine.

Queensland Police deputy commissioner Steve Gollschewski said at a press conference: "People that criminally deceive their way in...is a problem for us.

Sky News

"They are all awaiting their results and all have been issued a notice to appear for false declarations."

The three men allegedly had 'G' passes, which indicated they hadn't been to a hotspot recently. However, it was when they went to get tested for the coronavirus in Queensland that one of the blokes explained to a health official about where he had been.

That official passed on the information to authorities, who started an investigation.

A statement from Queensland Police says: "The trio allegedly travelled through the Queensland road border on the M1 at Coolangatta on Sunday with false 'G' pass declarations after having spent several weeks in Melbourne.

"Queensland's border restrictions mean people who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days will be turned away at the state's border.

"Queensland residents who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot can return home but will be required to quarantine in government provided accommodation at their expense.

"Since July 3, anyone entering Queensland is required to complete a border declaration pass which is valid for seven days or until the person's circumstances change."

The penalty for lying on a declaration form is $4,003 or imprisonment.

Today (August 4), Queensland announced no new coronavirus cases, however Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it is difficult to ensure everyone's safety when people lie about where they came from.

She said at a press conference: "It is undermining all of the great work Queenslanders have done."

Featured Image Credit: Queensland Police

Topics: News, Australia